CY6W04 - Sandwich Placement (2024/25)
Module specification | Module approved to run in 2024/25 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Module title | Sandwich Placement | ||||||||||||||||||||
Module level | Honours (06) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Credit rating for module | 30 | ||||||||||||||||||||
School | School of Human Sciences | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total study hours | 300 | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Assessment components |
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Running in 2024/25(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
|
Module summary
One year of work based learning. Work experience based full-time in an organisation with roles relevant to the academic programme of study and at an appropriate level of responsibility. Relevant organisations include; NHS, research, industrial and private medical laboratories. Learning would be driven by practical experience in the work place. Progress and development will be assessed against an agreed framework of objectives as defined in the learning agreement. For part-time students in appropriate employment they can complete the module over an extended period during their degree rather than take a year out.
The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s, Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.
The module aims to: Provide experience of the technical expertise, knowledge, pressures and opportunities within the context of the scientific workplace; increase awareness of the scope, structure and operation of the host organisation, from a career perspective; develop generic competencies as outlined in the registration portfolio or work based learning portfolio; maximize employability by developing the student’s ability to work (at a certain threshold level) in a professional capacity.
Prior learning requirements
Completion of Level 4 and min. 90 credits at Level 5
Syllabus
Placement preparation:
Information session during the academic year preceding placement and development of personal placement aims.
Development of a personal placement aim indicating what the student wants to achieve and specific areas they want to experience
Benefits- consolidation and expansion of knowledge in the subject area; development of transferable and technical skills; experience of the real scientific workplace.
Application process- reflective practice; good presentation and interview skills useful for both placement search and portfolio verification.
Placement arrangements and coursework requirements; workplace expectations and environment; roles of the placement tutor and external supervisor.
An appropriate programme of work and guidance, which addresses the module aims and stimulates reflection, will be negotiated, on an individual basis, between the student and the workplace supervisor in consultation with placement tutor.
There is no formal taught syllabus in this module since the nature of sandwich placements varies. Assessments for the module are subject to academic regulations for taught provision. LO1,LO2,LO3,LO4,LO5,LO6,LO7
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
The placement tutor is a point of contact for support and information throughout the placement whilst the external supervisor provides guidance and supervision on a day-to-day basis. Learning through example and hands-on experience is a key element in the development of sandwich students. The placement tutors normally makes three visits to each student placed in the UK; for students placed abroad, electronic forms of communication will be the main form of contact.
The learning process and benefits of sandwich placement are signposted during the introductory sessions.
At each placement visit the placement tutor monitors the student's progress in discussion with the work place supervisor. In discussion with the student, the placement tutor also reinforces the student's awareness of his or her achievements and provides advice on the purpose, format and preparation of the coursework assignments, which support the learning outcomes.
The placement diary evidences record keeping, notes the acquisition of skills and competencies and provides an opportunity for reflective practice.
Completion of registration portfolio/ work based learning portfolio develops reflective, analytical, organisational and communication skills. The portfolio has a defined structure with suggested activities.
The seminar presentation develops subject-based and transferable skills. It provides the opportunity to reflect on the year's work so far; it also offers the experience of developing and presenting a talk on the general aspects of work based learning.
The CV ensures students reflect on the contribution of sandwich placement to their career development and presenting it demonstrates their greater maturity and experience to a potential employer.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
1. Appreciate a laboratory/organisation working environment, its products and the range of professional skills appropriate to the scientific environment.
2. Understand the inter-relationship between different departments/laboratories within an organisation.
3. Develop generic knowledge, skills and competencies of an appropriate professional standard.
4. Communicate using verbal and written communication in the workplace and the assessment.
5. Work independently with minimum supervision.
6. Work with others as part of a team in problem solving and trouble shooting.
7. Develop personal development Skills such as: Personal evaluation, action planning and career management.
Bibliography
Texts: Dean, J. et al. (2017) Practical Skills in Chemistry, 3rd Edition. Pearson.
Glencross, H., Ahmed, N. and Wang, Q. (2016). Biomedical Science Practice (Fundamentals of Biomedical Science). Oxford University Press.
Leedy, P. and Ormrod, J. E. (2015). Practical Research: Planning and Design, Global Edition, 11th Edition, Pearson.
Jones, A., Reed, R. and Wyers, J. (2016). Practical Skills in Biology, 6th Edition. Pearson.
Websites: Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (http://www.who.int/tdr/publications/documents/gclp-web.pdf)